MX2010008981A - Oil recovery system and apparatus. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for cleaning oil spills from the surface of a body of water involves deploying a plurality of remotely guided self-propelled floating liquid hydrocarbons collection and separation apparatus, floating liquid hydrocarbons retention booms and floating liquid hydrocarbons storage devices, moving the liquid hydrocarbons boom to contain the liquid hydrocarbons, moving the liquid hydrocarbons collection and separation apparatus by remote guidance into the contained liquid hydrocarbons and operating the apparatus to separate the liquid hydrocarbons from the water, and pumping the separated liquid hydrocarbons into the floating liquid hydrocarbons storage devices.

Description

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR THE RECOVERY OF PETR Reference to Related Requests The present application claims the benefits U.S.C. § 119 (e), of Provisional Application No. 61 / 029,314 filed on February 16th with the "Oil Recovery System and Apparatus" which is referred to by reference.

Technical Field The present invention relates to the liquid hydrocarbon recirculation of major marine spills, rivers or lakes, more particularly refers to an apparatus for collecting liquid hydrocarbons from the water in the case of a ship and a system for using said apparatus and operation thereof. A spill is critical for reducing and cleaning costs. While numerous containment and oil-bearing devices have been run, the existing systems are efficient, require a long time of deployments in adverse climates, rough seas or limited conditions such as fog or rain.

A central element of any oil spill piece is an apparatus for "drilling oil from the water." This is usually done with conventional dam or disk filters, without existing ones they have very little capacity, they are easy to deploy to be effective. to large oil spills and are limited by environmental constraints. the material when reading the specification and a student.

Summary The following modalities and aspects of describe and illustrate along with systems, tools that are understood to be exemplary and ilus do not limit the scope. In several modalities, the problems described above have been reduced, while other modalities are addressed.

The present invention provides an apparition and separation of liquid hydrocarbons from the body of water comprising: a) a housing to an interior space to receive a volume provided with flotation means, the housing to collect at a selected depth; and d) Pumping devices for evacuating water from the opening of the apparatus may also include a liquid-water-borne material mounted in the housing for means for discharging plowed hydrocarbons from the housing into a separate recovered liquid fuel medium.

The invention further provides a method for liquid hydrocarbons of the water surface and liquid hydrocarbons of water comprising: a) selection of floating liquid hydrocarbons and aration as described above, floating liquid hydrocarbon media and floating liquid hydrocarbons; The liquid hydrocarbon mast means to have liquid hydrocarbons; c) move the r fast deployment, or by boat or tractor. By starting pet separation methods it is sufficiently compact and suitable for aerial purposes, unlike conventional recollar devices.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for separating and separating liquid hydrocarbons from the body of water comprising: a) a filter the collection of a volume of liquid adapts an upper layer of liquid hydrocarbons surface water to the oil separator-water and an outlet opening adapted for the water flow of the housing to return to the housing ite to separate as well; b) and means within the mon form assembly to collect a liquid flow from plowing the liquid hydrocarbons from the water purchased from the collection of liquid hydrocarbons separation apparatus mounted to the previously described platform and storage means of hydrants on the ground; b) operating the apparatus for liquid hydrocarbons of the crane; and c) separate liquid hydrocarbon fuels in the liquid hydrocarbon-based liquid hydrocarbons can fall into the water of the platform by a hydraulic arm in a mode providing deployment of oil separation methods, the initially compact for transport of roads and highways, unlike conventional oil exploration.

In addition to the illustrative aspects and m Brief Description of the Drawings The illustrative modalities are illustrated in the drawings referred to in which the modalities and figures described are considered illustrative in trictive.

Figure 1 is an elevation view, e cial, of the liquid fuel collection and separating apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view, with ovoid, along the direction lines ura 1.

Figure 3 is an extreme view, as shown in lines 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an elevational view of an inlet and an articulated arm with a Figure 8 is a perspective view of a spill recovery system incorporating a number of the apparatus of the present invention in a late stage of an operation li ame big tanker Figure 7 illustrates an AUV 312 power trailer towing an oil tanker mast 310.

Figure 8 illustrates the oil-water system of the hydraulic recovery vehicle Figure 9 illustrates the output of the Oil-Water Siration of the recovery vehicle 10.

Figure 10 is a schematic of the Airborne Robotic Oil Spill Synchronization for basic operations and a list of the main lines.

Figure 13 is an isometric vita, which m ation of principal components of the modality to Figure 12.

Figures 14A and 14B are a side view showing the location of models of the mode shown in Figure 12.

Figure 15 is an isometric view showing major generator pipeline schemes of the embodiment shown in FIG.

Figures 16A to 16D are a view in or showing the general construction, material messages of the embodiment shown in the Figure Figures 1 to 4 show the configuration apparatus for collection and separation of hydids 10 according to a first modality invention. The apparatus 10 includes generates co 11, an awning 12, flotation tanks 13, a closed e togry 14, fuel tanks 15, a suction for energy packing 16, a tpiration for energy packaging 17, a Z impeller which It can rotate 360 ° 18 such as the Olympic commercial sale, mounting frames for propel deployment 20, high pressure water sprinkler pipe 21, pump funnels for high pressure spraying system or funnel 24, float tanks 25, air / water / water level sensors 26, a profu control cylinder While it is contemplated for ferida that the power pack 14 is action, in which case the tanks contain the combus sel, it is evident that other fuels such as gasoline or electricity can be used. In addition to solid polymer fuel that uses gene and hydrogen as fuel can also be the place of an internal combustion engine. The tanks 15 can be inflatable for the purpose of the vehicle. The hydraulic power pack to several devices. An image of Z capable of rotating 360 ° 18 has been deployed in the operative position in Figure 1 on the shaft by the cylinder 20. It can be rotated horizont es of 360 degrees. A second rotating impeller 18 remains in the depressed position. In the first embodiment, the frame 11, comprised of welded pipe, of an essentially box-like construction, to which mechanical fastening con tacts the floating tanks of the fuel packing system 14, 16 that of fuel 15, the elements of pullers 18, 1.9 and 20, the elements of the high pressure water separator 21, 22 and 23, the funnel collection system of hydids / water 24 to 30, the hydride / water centrifugal pump 31, the liquid / water separator system elements 32 and 33, the electrically controlled separating liquid hydrocarbon collection element 36, and the des-emulsifier tank 37. The lights provide visibility for other boats and help liquid rocarburos and water on the lip of the end is to keep the plane of the lip of the funnel 52 the surface of the water. They have sufficient floe that provide sufficient buoyancy for the funnel when the funnel 24 is added to the maximum or minimum anticipated fundus.

The opening of the funnel 24 preferably a wire mesh, with mesh distance of approximately 10 centimeters across which acts as a waste barrier stage. To maintain erta, a bar may be pivotally connected to a piece of mesh (not shown) at a point in the funnel 24 in order to shave the surface of its mesh in a manner similar to a wiper. The cleaning or sweeping action of the mesh piece can be operated by energy and dreams 55 in a radial pattern disposed around the funnel. The orifices 55 allow, while initially spraying liquids from a spill, the water inside the funnel 24 to the interior, the water then flexible, and flood the inlet door d of the centrifugal pump 31. The holes Thus, the flow rate of the water through the pipes is negligible compared to the total flow of liquid hydrocarbons and the water of the funnel 52 when the operation apparatus is in full operation. The throat part 54 is connected to a flange 56. Sustain the flange 56 and extending to the diametr the flange 56 there are two "reliefs" (not opposed to each other, at right angles to the bearing assembly 72 being at line angles). central 70 of the arrow 71, an assembly at the other end of the arrow 71 with the bearing assembly line 69 parallel to the bolt line 57 and a yoke element in the shape of an arrow of cape 59 and two arm cha from the end 59 extends in a general direction of the arms 58 and coincides with the bearing 69 and is mechanically retained in the bearing member 69 and the shaft arrow 59 by providing a rotation joint for the arm. for fixing bolts 57 in the yoke arms 58, said bolts coinciding and securing the funnel 24, while the funnel 24 rotates around the central line with LOS 57, said common central line being in rotation of the articulated arm 29, and lemento de ido 24 in a vertical plane.

In the first embodiment, the rotation of the central line of the bolt 68 is controlled by a shackle 27, rod end shackle 75 of the pivot pin 61 (allowing eye rotation 60 which is fixed to the tube 71 in a pu assemblies). bearing 72 and 69. Two rings 63 p ivote 62 that allow rotation, in which the trunnion is cut. "The central line of cylinder h is at a right angle to the center line of l 68.

The entire funnel assembly 24, articulated arm element 29 and hydraulic cylinder 27 allow a vertical range of motion for up to sixty centimeters in relation to the electro-hydraulic motor / pump / valve 6 sole theme with, and controls the extension of the 27th ruler by means of hydraulic lines 65 and the depth of the funnel 24 in relation to the surface of the water and in relation to the oil-water interface.

The flexible hose 30 has h fluid connections, at one end with flange 90 and the other flange 91. The flange 90 is attached by means to flange 56, forming a hermetic connection to the flange 91 is mechanically attached to the ion 92 of the centrifugal pump 31, forming an ethics to the fluid. The flexible hose 30 through a passage of fluids to transport spilled hydrants and water from the funnel 24 to the port. The centrifugal pump 31 is energized per cla of oil / water) providing two ports a configuration of "Y", a port of exit with a centrifugal pump and the other salt port for collection or containment of waste (it is not connected to a waste grinding chamber) containing two mechanical mills with te of the preferred type known by the name s 3000 Channel ", or others Conventional mills Diversification and milling mechanisms are activated if you find excess waste (eg, marine plants, bark, or other debris). Float enters the oil / inlet mix through the secondary waste barriers. , that is, the bars of residual waste 115 located in the four protective area that covers the opening of the embud The centrifugal pump 31 is fixed by frame means 11. The discharge port 94 of the pump C is mechanically attached to the dispense pipe. of oil centrifugal separator controlled a fluid tight connection and pr to 32 being in fluid communication with the input 95 of the centrifugal oil separator is fixed by mechanical means to the frame 11. The t connects by fluid-tight means to fluid and pressure discharge of liquid hydrocarbons 96 of sep rocarburos / agua liquids 33 and are in fluid and pressure co metics with a floating oil storage tank, inflatable 35 (m Figure 6).

A water spray pump of high pres a by mechanical means to the frame 11. The pump 23 being arranged to spray each of a ma. high-pressure water fan to oil / water inlet funnel 24, approximately 25.4 cm above the 200-year line and at an angle of approximately 25 to 35 water surface, its ules being installed to cause sprinklers in a tilator they overlap before impact in a water.

An awning 12, comprised of members of s in a configuration in the form of a general dome of the lower one of which is in close proximity to the external line of the frame 11, is connected by mechanical means and provides wave protection to the components of the apparatus. The thrush also s cir the entrance of water in excess of the entrance The centimeters below the water line are designated by the lining plates of the hull 110 which allow the extension of the pulses, items 18 to 20, below the top of the frame 11 to the operating position of the pullers. All the connections between the frame 110 are fluid-tight, the plates can be opened by bolts or the like in order to open the device 10.

An opening 122 in the lower part of the lower ca 110 allows two extrusion pumps 120, which can be operated by means of hydraulic action 121, to discharge volume water from the frame 11 and the plates of the hull 110 to the interior. The last source of the water that will be drawn to the environment largely outside the oil / water input apparatus may be at the optimum level depending on the liquid flotation hydrocarbons, flotation height, magnitude and condition of the oil spill.

An electronic module sealed to the fluid fluid 36 contains the hardware and software to electronically the systems of the apparatus 10 in a way to achieve the efficient and expeditious operation of the aa to recover spilled liquid hydrocarbons themselves immiscible from the surface and electronic module 36 also provides guidance of GPS and the collector in series .39 and tele mpo real for remote operation.

METHOD OF OPERATION OF THE FIRST MODALIDA When the apparatus 10 of the present invention the funnel 24 is submerged so that the water 52 is below the hydride / water interface level, both the liquid hydrocarbons come on the lip 52 through the mesh below. from the surface the funnel 53 to funnel 54 and therefore through the handle to the suction port 92.

Due to the nature of the action of the surface of the water within a circle that circumvents the flotation 25 it is rarely in a na and usually has an average inclination to the horizontal. The average depth of the udo below the surface of the water is controlled by the action of the hydraulic cylinder 27, controlled by the action of the hydraulic pack / pump / valve 64, controlled at its approximate average contour of the ea surface of the funnel 24 The liquid hydrocarbons and water from the discharge port 94 of the cent pump in the inlet distribution pipe and therefore in the separator 33 via the pillars 95. The separator acts to separate the hydids and water, the water being discharged to the water extraction pumps 1 liquid rocarburos being driven by medium 34 to the oil storage tank The water spray system of high coughs 21 to 23 and 100 to 102, provides a half per jo of liquid flotation hydrocarbons can be concentrated for recovery in the funnel 24. water jets, the air flow causing liquid hydrocarbon ucido on the supe a to the funnel 24. The water jet system can be activated or deactivated automatic electronic control module 36 which receives the corresponding path of the pet level sensor or by signals transmitted by radio from a mast or boat e of support (described later The operation of the sionan exhaust pumps that the ambient water circulates flow enclosed by the frame 11, on the edge 1 casing liner 110 in each one of the oil / water inlet areas outside the lining plates 110 that or of the vessel restricts the water to ios centimeters below the water line 2 centimeters , prevent the floating debris from approaching the funnel 24. The funnel 24 is also sieved or mesh mentioned above to prevent echos from entering and clogging the centrifugal centrifugal pump 33. The cutting knives are provided in the flow of the pipe 30 adjacent to the for blanketing or spraying algae, attics or seagrasses that may be one to build the pump 31 or separator 33. To establish a dewatering grinding process system sold under the trademark DWS. An obstacle detection device 130, known to avoid obstacle of the echo of the tiple, preferably using 8 to 12 tracked around the hull of the vehicle, to allow the device to avoid c on or via satellite from a vehicle center. crazy commands anywhere. The AEROS system completely pulado when it is in operation, eliminating sgos human operators created by fumes ales released by crude oil during pranas of a spill. The self-propelled oil recovery vehicles called "Hydra-very quickly and efficiently separate the oil bean oil recovered in large floating oil tanks 35. AEROS can operate in climates day or night, while the systems conv limited to light by day and good visibility.

In Figure 5, a tank is shown running aground on rocks and letting out crude oil 304 on the surface of a body of or more military cargo planes, preferably using parachutes. Each of approximately 4 to 6 tons, the boats are designed to withstand impact at high velocity of the water.The mast boats are remote controlled to robotically engage the 310 mating and tow them to the desired safe tank positions. 300 or of the coast The oil spill controlled controlled to propelled (RO) 10 of the invention is also air using the parachute 305. The aircraft can also be equipped with an oil spill arousal augmentation system and roll-up, such as that sold under the SPAC brand of Beigert Aviation or similar systems ation or Aerounion Inc. The 312 air mast boats may have a similar design to the remote control mast 312 and the performance of liquid hydrocarbons 10 One can also be used to deploy an approved rolero ignition and the burn system in O that sold under the trademark HELI-icóptero can also be used to display ur. oil spill dispersant odor apulsifier of hydrocarbons) as seen in IR AVIATION. The helicopter may also be a survivor restraint system on board controlled remote control such as the JET NET commercial vendor or similar system. An aerial hydrocarbon system is described, for example, by E.U.A. No. 3, 899,213 issued 12 of 5 to U.S. Department of Transportation. The remote control of the system described in the present legacy in the air could have a combined preferableness in the order of 450,000 gallons). In the system shown in the figure, the hydrocarbon recovery elements supply recovered liquid hydrocarbons to storage directives 35 and again in the preferred location and hooked up manually or remotely as described above.

In the system shown in Figure 6, a port 320 controls the remote operation of liquid hydrocarbon vehicles 10, boats c and masts 310, all of which have been left. In this system, in addition to the primary oil / water separation in each recovery of the support arch 320, it is also equipped with a conventional water purification for purifying ote. The navigation is supported by GPS address and serial collector 39, allowing rationing during the night. The command link to the GPS series 39 allows a pattern following the mitigation that the hydrostatic recovery vehicle 10 follow a defined course or head to an eo. The coordinated simultaneous control of multiple liquid hydrocarbon vehicles 1 course defined or directed to a simultaneous co-ordinated location of multiple liquid recovery vehicles 10 covers the unlawful command, allowing a coordinated coal-mining effort. The point navigation is to be used to allow the patterns prior to the recovery of liquid hydrocarbons or enter for the recovery of the vehicle of re tation. Each recovery vehicle has suera to reach in any direction approximately 250 m. The recovery ROVs are shipped by a superior suspension rail system and mechanical-hydraulic cranes preferable or "support", shown in Figure 11. The oil recovery ROV man is deployed hydraulically operated, mounted in a way that the flow of oil is uninterrupted that ROV is propelled to or from the ship. has a voltage automatically fixed in the hose to reduce excess water between the boat and ROV recovery 10.

Figure 7 illustrates a subsea vehicle towing a containment mast d ostration of the hydrocarbon recovery oil separation system 10.

Air and oil blades are instantly squeezed from the central core of the centrifuge fluids. From pressure controlled control at each separation end, all the oil molecules left while the separate clean water flows.

Figure 9 shows a demonstration model of the Petroleum Separation System-hydrocarbon recovery element 10. The water collection chamber ae (side after separation from the oil-water mixture in the previous photograph. The black oil plows from oil collection (right side) to be plowed from the oil-water mixture, both catastrophic rolero can be deployed 10 or 20 nte AEROS systems can process together 00,000 Millions of gallons / hour. seawater being processed / separated from the sea and numerous other factors The internal efficiency of the pet OS separation system is not affected by the aseelevant movement of the vehicle caused by morning waves 10 shows the robotic rolero Recovery System Aerial AEROS, describing the towing d with Mast 312, hydrocarbon vehicle 10, tanta collection tank 35 and the spill containment mast. components of the AEROS System to parachute from C-130 Hercules or airplane therefore, the response time to start or stent and in conditions that do not allow / operation of known systems.

DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND MODALITY ENCION Figures 12 to 16 show the confrere of the apparatus for collecting and separating liquid hydrocarbons according to a second the present invention. The device includes generator 15, diesel engine or other source of internal combustion 2, a fuel tank for internal combustion energy 3, separator of hydrocyclone 4, discharge pipes of hydraulic pump 6, oil-water pipes 8 oil discharge routes, a electric panel to manage the oil-water flow ality, the PP27 Aquaguard power pack mounted on a 50.8 cm x 17.7 trailer power supply 19, a tank de-emulsify with control valve (not shown) as in the first mode, a Z-shaped pulse that o, in a modality, the impeller in the form of a ufacturado by Olympia 22, the system of spraying high pressure as described in the first mod elements of the funnel system recol rocarburos liquids / water as described in lity 24, the support of the dam 20 that is shaped 18 for transportation purposes and labeled 29 as described in the first modali While it is contemplated for the ferida that the source of energy 2 is action, in which case the tanks 3 contain C of E. OR . TO . No. 4, 859, 347 issued on the 22 of 9 to Simon and others.

In the preferred embodiment, the frame 1 structure, comprised of welded pipe, generates box-like nature, to which mechanical fastening coils are the fuel power source 3, hydrocyclones 4, hydraulic power deck 17 and platform 18 The control signals generated by the electronic trolley 9 are sent via the electrical cable electro-hydraulic motor / pump / valve) which will control the depth of the funnel screened in the first mode, based on desired levels in hydrocyclones 4 and pray of The oil-water entry line fle iente during the operation of the system.

Raul 6 is driven by a conventional hydraulic motor whose speed is controlled by control 9 and can also control the flow rate installed in the line with the pump.

Hydrocyclones 4 have incorporated a means to separate waste solids diversify to the waste discharge line 12. installs in the dam (not shown) to avoid large solids of foreign objects, ersificar through a 'Y' bend ( not discarding the wastes to two mechanical mills with the preferred type known by the name S 3000 Channel "or other conventional mills divergent and mill mechanisms are activated enter excessive debris (eg, marine plants received from a detection device). d.

The electronic module and control panel 9 electronic hardware and software to operate the oil-water separation assemblies in order to achieve efficient operation and experience spilled liquid hydrocarbons immiscible substances from the water surface.

METHOD OF OPERATION OF THE SECOND MODALITIES When the pet separation assembly the present invention is in operation as the hydraulic pump 6 by the action of energy 2 causes the liquid hydrocarbons to settle in the suction port of the dam 10 through the pump and processed to Through the oil transfer line through the petroleum tank discharge line (not shown). The oil-water company is passed through the load of clean water 13 and returned to the environment.

A scrap barrier grid (not shown) in dam 10 prevents large floating floats to the oil-water lines 5. Dam 10 is also provided with the above-mentioned to prevent debris from ruining the pump centrifuge 6 or the separator 4 can also be provided. Flow blades of tube 5 adjacent to the pump 6 for Cilla or spray algae, marine plants and pas can be a threat of clogging the pump 6 or A waste processing system per mill sold under the trademark D S 3000 C device is achieved in the same manner as quality.

While some illustrative details and modalities have been discussed, the experts will recognize certain modifications / practices and subcombinations thereof. So I tend that the invention is interpreted to include modifications / permutations, adding combinations since they are within their real ance.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS A self-propelled device, guided remotely collect and separate hydrocarbons in the liquid state of a body of water. It is: . a container provided with flotation means, an interior space for receiving a volume of this container having one or more openings d adjacent to the water surface, adapted to receive the upper layer of liquid hydrocarbons from the water surface inside the container; . A mechanism within the container for recirculating liquid from the surface hydrocarbon surfaces the liquid inside e. a separator of liquid hydrocarbons and water to a mechanism for discharging the hydrocarbons that were separated, from the container and storage mechanism of the separated hydrocarbons, -. A variable steering propulsion mechanism. A propulsion control mechanism for remote signals and controlling the direction and the said propulsion mechanism according to the signals received remotely; Y . a geographical positioning system for the geographical position of the apparatus and communication to the propulsion control mechanism; of said mechanism within the container for liquid flow, said mechanism to maintain Mechanisms for measuring the thickness of the hydrocarbon surface composed of hydrocarbons mounted on said intake that are with said mechanisms to maintain said mec collection at the selected depth. The apparatus of the application 1 wherein said mechanism has said mechanism for collecting the selected one consists of a cylindrical funnel of depth connected to said floating intake of raising or lowering said floating outlet corresponding to said communication between the measurement limits of the Thickness of the oil spill hydroca. A method of collecting liquid hydrocarbons from water, to separate hydrocarbons and water. . mechanism to move said liquid hydrocarbons the container of liquid hydrocarbons; . moving the plurality of liquid hydrocarbon collection vessels and the remote separation into liquid hydrocarbon vessels and operating the separation of the liquid hydrocarbons from the water; and. pump the liquid hydrocarbon that was separated from the hydrocarbon storage mechanism The method of application 4 (above) where the lotante for the collection and concentration of liquid hydrocarbons, and a liquid hydrocarbon recovery apparatus and a storage of liquid hydrocarbons in the water, all of which may be thrown away by a plane or launched from a boat or truck. water towards an oil and water separator mont rails. . A mechanism inside the vessel for collecting liquid from the surface layers of liquid hydrocarbons and water from the int mechanism and directing them towards the first pump. A rotating marine variable propulsion mechanism; . A propulsion control mechanism for remote signals and controlling the direction and said propulsion mechanism according to rem received dich; Y . mechanism of geographic positioning system perceive the geographical position of the apparatus and said position to the mechanism of control of propul nde said arador of oil-a ua mounted on . a floating funnel for collecting liquids and a separation apparatus assembled as described in application 6 (a) Hydraulic storage devices operating the apparatus to separate the liquids from the water; . pumping the liquid hydrocarbons already separated from the terrestrial storage mechanism of hydrocarbons, where the hydrocarbon funnel is thrown to the surface of the water lifting system by an arm or crane.